Chopper denied for Modi rally, BJP cries foul

Kolkata, Feb 4: The BJP Tuesday cried foul after the army denied permission for using a helicopter by the party’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi for his rally here Wednesday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had sought permission to land the helicopter carrying Modi near the Brigade Parade Ground, of which the army is the custodian.

“We had sought permission for the helicopter because we did not want to create traffic chaos and inconvenience the public. But the centre, in pursuance of a conspiracy, ensured the permission was denied,” said state BJP president Rahul Sinha.

“The army earlier said that if the Gujarat government made a request in writing, then they may grant the permission. We immediately arranged for it but still we were denied,” he said.

The BJP leader also said the late information about the denial of permission has affected their plans for smoothly organising the event that will kick-start the party’s poll campaign in West Bengal.

Sinha also accused the Mamata Banerjee government of being uncooperative.

“Both the centre and the state governments are displaying narrow mindedness. We urge them to rise above politics so that the event can be held smoothly,” he added.